2012 GMC Yukon XL 1500 towing capacity

The 2012 GMC Yukon XL 1500 is published in 9 configurations, with tow ratings ranging from 5,000 to 8,000 lb depending on cab, bed, drivetrain, and hitch class. The peak figure (8,000 lb) sits in full-size truck and SUV territory.

The table below lists every trim of the 2012 GMC Yukon XL 1500 with the engine, drivetrain, axle ratio, horsepower, torque, GVWR, curb weight, and payload that go with that trim's headline tow rating. Manufacturers often publish more than one tow figure per truck — a conventional bumper-hitch rating, a weight-distributing rating, and a gooseneck or fifth-wheel rating — so the highest number here is the maximum across all hitch classes the source carries for the trim.

Per-trim breakdown

How to interpret the headline tow figure

Tow ratings at this level are normally achievable with a conventional Class II or Class III receiver hitch. Always verify your vehicle has the manufacturer's tow package installed if you intend to tow at the upper end of the rating, and inspect the door-jamb sticker for the actual maximum permitted on your specific configuration.

How this year compares to 2011

The 2011 GMC Yukon XL 1500 carried a maximum tow rating of 8,100 lb. The 2012 model is rated 100 lb lower — sometimes a real spec change, sometimes a re-test under a stricter standard like SAE J2807. See the 2011 GMC Yukon XL 1500 page for the full per-trim breakdown of the prior year.

Other 2012 GMC models

The rest of GMC's 2012 lineup, ranked by maximum tow rating. Click through for the per-trim breakdown of any of these.

All figures sourced from manufacturer documentation. See our methodology for how the dataset is compiled. Always confirm against your vehicle's door-jamb sticker before towing.